Kathmandu, September 1 :

Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, in a message on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Nepal-Japan diplomatic relations, said the government is bound to follow the mandate of the people.

“We have defined a road map for the country’s political future leading to elections to a constituent assembly to formulate a new constitution for our nation,” the message read by Dr Ram Saran Mahat, the Minister for Finance, at a function, said.

Stating that Nepal has sought the support of the UN in the peace process to bring an end to the decade-long armed conflict, the message said: “This will

lay the foundation for permanent peace, stability and a truly representative, inclusive and plural democracy reflecting the hopes and aspirations of our countrymen.”

“Expectations from the new government are high and we are determined to address these issues with priority and urgency,” the PM said. Junichiro Koizumi, the Japanese Prime Minister, had also sent a message to be read out on the occassion. The beginning of the 50th anniversary celebrations was announced today after a commemorative postal stamp was presented to the guests.

Meanwhile, Japanese embassy officials today misbehaved with reporters covering the function. An argument began when the reporters were told to sit at the back row without tables. When reporters disagreed to the idea and took a table, an official argued with them. However, the officials finally agreed to arrange two tables for the journalists, who did not stay back for the cultural programme, reception and dinner.